If presented with the option of getting a pension check for life or getting a lump sum, what’s the better deal? This is a decision that should be weighed carefully and because each individual’s financial status is different, there is no cookie cutter way to decide which option is best.

Getting a monthly annuity certainly has a certain allure — you get a steady paycheck for life.

But getting a lump sum can be a more attractive option if you manage the money well. Why? The biggest drawback of an annuity payment is that pensions are rarely indexed for inflation. At an annual 3 percent inflation rate, a monthly check worth $2,000 today would be worth $1,488 in 10 years, and $1,107 in 20 years. That’s a huge reduction in purchasing power.

Also, it’s not the best time to arrange for a pension check because annuity payment calculations are based on prevailing interest rates. In a low-interest rate environment like we have now, getting an annuity would involve locking in a low rate of return for the rest of your life.

Taking the lump sum allows you to invest the money for the short term until interest rates are more favorable because of the flexibility and the power to invest aggressively to make your money last longer.

If you are in debt or have large expenses, getting a lump sum cash payout can save you money on interest payments.

What do you do if you are stuck with an annuity or structured settlement and need cash now? There are services that allow you to borrow against your annuity in whole or in part. This is an especially cost effective option if that money can save you from bankruptcy, foreclosure or any number of financial emergencies that may arise.

Asset-based lending, once considered a last-resort finance option, has become a popular choice for companies that don’t have the credit ratings, track record or patience to pursue more traditional capital sources.

Because asset-based lenders focus on collateral, rather than credit-worthiness, they do deals that more traditional lenders shy away from. Borrowers put up equipment, inventory, accounts-receivable and other liquid assets in exchange for the money.

Asset-based loans can be a much-needed source of capital for companies that are rapidly growing, highly leveraged, in the midst of a turnaround or undercapitalized. Sometimes a company simply needs that infusion of cash to get over a financial hump or to keep growing.

These type of loans are especially well-suited for manufacturers, distributors and service companies with a leveraged balance sheet whose seasonal needs and industry cycles often hamper their cash flow. Asset-based loans can also be used to finance acquisitions.

Many small businesses that seek asset-backed loans are distressed companies, or have spotty or short track records. Asset-based loans can be a much-needed source of capital for companies that are in the midst of a turnaround or expanding faster than they can keep up. Sometimes a company simply needs that infusion of cash to get over a financial hump or prevent growth from stalling out.

Eliasson Capital offers a convenient, and straightforward way to access working capital via personal asset loans.

People who do business with Eliasson Capital realize that they have tremendous value locked in many of their personal assets. We give them an opportunity to unlock this value and take advantage of opportunities, lifestyle enhancements (country club dues, vacation rentals, special occasions), or simply working capital for their small business.

Eliasson Capital makes it possible for high net worth individuals to leverage luxury items like cars, fine art, jewelry and designer watches as collateral for a low interest loan in a fraction of the time it takes to process a formal bank loan, with absolute privacy.

Eliasson Capital keeps collateral in their state of the art, secure storage facility while the loan is being settled, whether it’s a Patek watch, Picasso or Ferrari.